Stick Burner Muscle Exercise Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus in the form of a weighted cylindrical rod or stick with attachable additional weights that provides fitness enthusiasts with an easily accessible method in which to work out their oblique muscle groups, abdominal muscles, arms and back.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the field of health and fitness, and more specifically to the field of exercise equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The prior art has put forth several designs for exercise equipment. Among these are:

U.S. Pat. No. 7,967,021 to Robert Duane Montgomery and Margaret Ann Montgomery describes a multipurpose exercise cane having a top end that is similar in construction to that of a typical crutch and a bottom end including a detachable foot. The invention further incorporates an improved hand grip on the top end for ease of use while walking. The exercise cane also includes optional features of choice such as additional hand grips distanced apart and a centralized resistive twisting assembly, a water bottle, a microchip and an outwardly extending feeler. The novel cane is of a unique shape that is substantially flat as opposed to most standard canes that are round or circular in shape.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,087,002 to Robert D. Montgomery describes an exercise cane that is used for mobility, but is also constructed for use as an exercise device while walking or jogging. The cane includes optional features such as a battery operated light, a storage compartment, a drinking bottle with a container therefore, and a novel drinking straw that allows a user to take a drink without interrupting the physical workout.

US Patent 2004/0185990 to Rob Orescan and Charles Bareilles describes a portable exercise apparatus sufficiently lightweight and compact to easily fit into a travel bag for use at remote locations. The apparatus comprises a rigid telescoping pole that can be temporarily locked at an intermediate length depending on the exercise and an elastic member having handles on each end and removably and slidably coupled to the pole through an attachment collar. The attachment collar has an inwardly facing gripping surface for gripping a portion of the outer surface of the pole and an outward facing coupling ring for encircling a portion of the elastic member and thereby causing the elastic member to be removably and slidably coupled to the pole.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,512 to Daniel J. Curran describes an adjustable length pole resiliently tethered at the waist to a body harness that is used in exercises to condition certain selected muscles. The body harness is preferably of a type known in mountain climbing, having a belt and two straps encircling the crotch. Two elastic tubes, one on each side of a user's body, are each connected at one end to the body harness and at the other end to the pole near the ends of the pole. These tubes resiliently resist bodily movement. The effort of overcoming this resistance provides muscle conditioning. The pole terminates in enlarged, flat portions large enough to overlap the user's hands, with the palm held against the flat portions, fingers spread out. With the pole held by contact with the palms, arms outstretched laterally from the body and with the center of the pole resting on the back of the user's neck, the user twists about the spinal column to exercise the external oblique abdominal muscles. Alternatively, arm extension exercises are performed in which the user raises and lowers the arms to further develop the oblique abdominal muscles. Lifting exercises such as the military press are used to improve arm and shoulder muscles.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,414 to Eric Fredrickson and Joseph Vernola describes a rigid exercising bar device for performing twisting and bending exercises about the waist. The device comprises an elongated curved middle portion and two curved end portions. The middle portion is bowed or contoured for a comfortable and effective fit around the neck and on the shoulders. The end portions are curved along a different plane and outwardly and downwardly relative to the middle portion and serve as hand grips for the user such that the arms are comfortably extended during use.

None of these prior art references describe the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus in the form of a weighted cylindrical rod or stick that provides fitness enthusiasts with an easily accessible method in which to work out their oblique muscle groups, abdominal muscles, arms and back.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an exercise apparatus in the form of a weighted cylindrical rod or stick with attachable additional weights that provides fitness enthusiasts with an easily accessible method in which to work out their oblique muscle groups, abdominal muscles, arms and back.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prototypical diagonal view of the present invention showing a cylindrical rod comprising foam padding and hand grips.

FIG. 2 is a prototypical diagonal view showing four sand weights that represent four different available weights and are attachable to the exercise rod shown in FIG. 1. More specifically.

FIG. 2a represents a 5 pound weight;

FIG. 2b represents a 10 pound weight;

FIG. 2c represents a 20 pound weight; and

FIG. 2d represents a 50 pound weight.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration showing the length of the stick with various components situated along its length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Being physically active is one of the most effective tools in increasing one's health of mind, body and spirit. A regular exercise regimen helps an individual look and feel better, become stronger and more flexible, possess more energy, and reduce stress and tension. While aerobic exercise such as walking or running helps increase blood flow and strengthens one's heart, resistance training is utilized to tone and stretch various muscle groups. Toning and strengthening one's oblique, abdominal and latissimus dorsi muscles promote a strong lower back and improved posture. Multiple health and physical benefits are associated with strengthening one's abdominal muscles and eliminating belly fat. Detracting from one's physical appearance, fat around the torso and above the waist is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. Many exercise enthusiasts experience difficulty in toning this area, simply because this area of the body is difficult to target train. While side sit ups or oblique crunches are effective in shaping this area of one's body, these basic exercises are extremely challenging to complete, especially for beginners.

Please refer to the drawings. The present invention, hereinafter referred to as the Stick Burner Muscle Exercise Apparatus, or simply The Stick Burner 10, is an exercise apparatus configured in the form of a cylindrically shaped and weighted stick 20, as shown in FIG. 1, comprising an elongated cylinder having a first end and a second end. In an alternative embodiment, the Stick Burner comprises attachable additional weights for increased resistance, shown in FIG. 2. The Stick Burner provides exercisers with a simple way in which to work out their oblique muscle groups, abdominal muscles, and arms and back, thus creating a strong and toned upper body. The Stick Burner is configured expressly to enable users to develop a strong core, reduce belly fat, and tone and strengthen their abdominal and oblique muscle groups. The Stick Burner also expressly exercises and strengthens one's back, arms and shoulders in a simple, reliable and consistent manner.

The Stick Burner is manufactured from any suitable material including heavy duty plastic, or aluminum or other metal material and can be coated in a nonskid rubber or comparable material to facilitate a firm and comfortable grip during use. Generally cylindrical in shape, the Stick Burner measures approximately five feet in length by two inches in diameter. The center of the Stick Burner is comprised of an integrated curved indentation 12 that functions as a neck rest that enables a user to comfortably rest the present invention on their shoulders and wrap it behind their neck. Alternatively, the user can rest the stick on their lower back at indentation 12 or abdomen at waist level.

A series of attachable weights 24, shown in FIGS. 2a through 2d , are manufactured in approximately five pound, ten pound, twenty pound and fifty pound increments. Flattened bag in shape and filled with weighted material such as sand, for example, these weights 24 include straps or integrated threaded fittings or comparable fasteners for use in securing them to the Stick Burner. Because they are flattened bag in shape, the weights 24 can be wrapped around the circumference of the stick 20, if desired, at placement position 26, and the bags can be wrapped around the stick and secured in place by further wrapping the straps around the weights.

These weights are available in sets of two with each weight being identical weights. Additional weights can be attached to stick 20 Each weight is attached to opposing ends of the present invention to add balanced weight and resistance to the Stick Burner.

Each end of the Stick Burner contains highly conspicuous, bright caps 18 in neon or comparable bright hues to ensure that the present invention is clearly visible, especially when being employed outdoors. In an alternative embodiment, caps 18 can comprise one or more LED lights.

Use of Stick Burner is very simple and straightforward. This exercise apparatus is utilized by individuals of all fitness levels, whether a beginner or an experienced exercise enthusiast. A beginner utilizes the Stick Burner without added weights as a means of enhancing their morning walk. A more physically fit individual applies weights to the Stick Burner to increase the weight and resistance of the device during their morning walk or jog. In both aforementioned cases, the Stick Burner is utilized by being positioned over one's shoulders behind their neck. Users also may position the Stick Burner to be carried at waist level in front or behind their body. For shoulder level use, a user wraps their arms over the top of the Stick Burner and grips each end in each hand. For waist level use, a user simply holds their arms outstretched and grips each end in each hand.

A number of routine exercises are enhanced when employing the Stick Burner. An individual may utilize the Stick Burner when enjoying their morning walk or an evening jog, placing it over their shoulders and swinging it from left to right to help build one's abdominal and oblique muscles as well as trapezium and latissimus dorsi muscle groups. This exercise also strengthens and tones one's triceps and deltoid muscles. To strengthen and tone their gluteus muscles, quadriceps and tibialis muscles, an individual may employ the Stick Burner when completing squats and lunges. The user may add weights to the Stick Burner to increase resistance which further promotes cardiovascular benefits and additional muscle strengthening and toning. Usable on a regular basis, the present invention is easily movable and storable in between uses.

Versatile in function, consumers can utilize the Stick Burner outdoors when walking or running as well as in the home or gym to complete more stationary exercises such as squats, lunges or simple upper body twists. With exercises designed to tone muscles and increase strength, as well as enabling the user to execute simple upper body stretches, the Stick Burner is an invaluable exercise tool with which to eliminate side and belly fat. Allowing the user to target train their core abdominal muscles, consistently using the Stick Burner ensures tighter, toned oblique abdominal muscles and results in a leaner and overall healthier body. The Stick Burner increases strength and tones one's triceps, deltoid muscles, gluteus muscles, quadriceps and tibialis muscle groups. Highly effective for general household use, the Stick Burner is a highly effective addition in any gym or health club facility. Having a unique cylindrical shape and slender footprint, the Stick Burner is easily stored in a closet, beneath a bed or in other out of the way areas, taking up little space when stored. Durably constructed, the Stick Burner will withstand years of repeated use, with ease.

Although this invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and various modifications which will become apparent to the person of ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. 

1. An exercise apparatus in the form of a weighted cylindrical rod or stick comprising an elongated cylinder having a first end and a second end further comprising: heavy duty plastic, or aluminum or other metal material capable of being held by two hands of a human user.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stick measures approximately five feet in length by two inches in diameter.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an integrated curved indentation near the center of the stick that functions as a neck rest or lower back rest.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 further comprising attachable weights.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 wherein the attachable weights are approximately five pound, ten pound, twenty pound and fifty pounds.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 4 wherein the weights comprise a flattened bag shape and are capable of being filled with weighted material.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the weighted material is sand.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 6, wherein the weights further include straps for use in securing them to the stick, wherein the bags can be wrapped around the stick and secured in place by further wrapping the straps around the weights.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 8 wherein the weights are in sets of two with each weight being identical weight.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 wherein each weight is attached to the stick near the end of the stick.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a cap on the first end and the second end of the stick.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cap is a neon color or other bright color to increase visibility.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 11 wherein the cap incorporates one or more LED lights. 